Sexual Function and Quality of Life among Iranian Women Using Copper vs. Levonorgestrel IUDs: A Comparative Study

Background: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) such as copper and levonorgestrel (LNG) are widely used as reversible contraceptive methods. Their potential effects on women's sexual function and quality of life (QoL) remain inadequately explored. This study aimed to compare the impact of copper and LNG-IUDs on sexual function and QoL among women of reproductive age at Jahrom Health Centers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 84 women attending Jahrom Health Centers from October 2023 to April 2024; 42 women used copper IUDs and 42 used LNG-IUDs. Data collection involved standardized questionnaires: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F). Statistical analyses compared total scores and subdomains between groups using independent t-tests, with significance set at p 0.05). Results: The mean FSFI total score was 29.69 ± 0.921 for the copper IUD group and 29.87 ± 0.921 for the LNG-IUD group (p = 0.923), indicating no significant difference in sexual function. The LNG-IUD group demonstrated a higher mean SQOL-F score (52.00 ± 10.61) compared to the copper IUD group (48.55 ± 12.15), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.169). Subdomain analyses of FSFI—including arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain, and sexual desire— revealed no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Discussion: No significant differences were observed between copper IUD and LNG-IUD users in total FSFI and SQOL-F scores or in any FSFI domains (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that both contraceptive methods have comparable effects on women’s sexual function and sexual quality of life. Conclusion: This study found no significant differences in sexual function or sexual quality of life between users of copper and levonorgestrel IUDs. The results indicate that both types of IUDs appear to have a comparable impact on these aspects of women's health, highlighting the need for personalized contraceptive counseling based on women's preferences and individual experiences rather than assumed effects on sexual well-being.